2 MP cities among 3 from India nominated for WCA under Ramsar Convention

Bhopal: Two cities in Madhya Pradesh, Indore and Bhopal, along with Udaipur in Rajasthan have been nominated for the prestigious Wetland City Accreditation (WCA) under Ramsar Convention by the Centre.

Union minister for environment, forest and climate change Bhupender Yadav informed this in his post in social media platform X on Thursday.

While two wetlands in Indore- Sirpur and Jaswant Sagar- have been designated as Ramsar sites after being recognised as wetlands of international importance by Ramsar Convention in 2022, Bhoj wetland of Bhopal comprising Upper and Lower Lakes have been accorded the Ramsar site status in 2002.

After being accorded WCA status by Ramsar Convention, they will receive international cooperation for conservation of the water bodies and their flora and fauna, besides ensuring socio-economic benefits to the local populations.

“The scheme aims to promote conservation and wise use of urban and periurban wetlands as well as sustainable socio-economic benefits for local populations.

This will also provide an opportunity for cities that value their natural or human-made wetlands to gain international recognition and positive branding opportunities for their efforts in demonstrating strong positive relationships with wetlands”, Mr Yadav’s X post said.

Nomination for WCA to the three cities has been submitted by the Centre to Ramsar Convention on Wetlands based on the proposals received from the respective State Wetlands Authorities in collaboration with municipal corporations.

The wetlands situated in and around these cities serve as their lifelines by providing a plethora of benefits to the citizens in terms of flood regulations, livelihood opportunities, and recreational and cultural values.

Besides, recognition of these cites as WCA will attract tourists from across the globe boosting their tourism.

Sirpur Lake in Indore is scheduled to host the World Wetland Day convention on February two.